March 15--Peru: Tourists have once again been misbehaving at the ancient site of Machu Picchu -- a British and a French traveler were detained after guards said they took nude photos at the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The two men were arrested and had to appear at Paz Letrado Courthouse. Security has tightened at the site in recent years after others have also been caught stripping down.
Ireland: Many churches that double as tourist sites in Dublin will be closed Easter Sunday, March 27, as events marking the centenary of the Easter Rising draw up to half a million people to the city. Christ Church Cathedral Dublin and six other churches will remain closed that day as a parade winds through the streets. Tourists should expect major crowds in Dublin throughout the weekend. The Easter Rising was the first major armed uprising against British rule and eventually led the country to independence.
Japan: The Japan Tourism Agency has provided a comprehensive guide for international tourists seeking medical assistance while visiting the country. The guide is available on the organization's website and lists 326 facilities that travelers can visit for medical attention, along with consultation centers with multilingual staff. The guide also provides translations so tourists can describe their symptoms to medical professionals.
United Kingdom: Health officials reported a significant increase in scarlet fever cases around the country this year and have urged parents of children under 10 to be cautious. Scarlet fever is highly contagious and mostly affects children, causing sore throat, headache, high fever and itchy rash across the torso. Cases tend to spike in March and April but can be treated with antibiotics.
Compiled from news services and travel sources. For updates, check with the State Department at 888-407-4747, www.travel.state.gov.
Larry Habegger and Dani Burlison are freelance reporters.
